Atlantic auto recyclers step up to support IWK Health Centre Family Rooms

A recent donation of $10,000 from the Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada (ARAAC) will go to support Family Rooms at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. On hand for the official donation were, from left, Dalbert Livingstone of Islant Auto Supply, Diana Fergusen, Tabitha Livingstone of Island Auto Supply, Brenda Toner-Murchsion of the IWK Health Centre Foundation, and Ed MacDonald of Maritime Auto Parts.

Halifax, Nova Scotia — August 15, 2014 — Newborn infants need support from their parents, and the support becomes even more vital when the infants are in need of intensive care. Local auto recyclers have stepped up to help ensure both infants and parents at IWK Health Centre in Halifax will receive the support they need.

A recent donation of $10,000 from the Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada (ARAAC), and a previous donation for $20,000, are earmarked for the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the IWK for the care and well-being of both infants and their parents.

The cheque was presented by Dalbert and Tabitha Livingstone from Island Auto Supply and Ed MacDonald from Maritime Auto Parts on behalf of ARAAC.

The association has been accumulating funds from the vehicle retirement programs that operate in Atlantic Canada through the Automotive Recyclers of Canada association. In total, ARAAC Members have given over $110,000 to community organizations as diverse as MADD, Special Olympics and food banks.

“Our donation is going towards more family rooms at IWK. Of the 64 babies in pre-natal care during our visit, there are just six rooms available for parents to stay overnight. Some parents sleep in chairs by their children, hallways, wherever they can. No parent wants to leave their child in these conditions. Its proven that children whose parents are there for feeding, skin contact, reading, etc., recover better and faster. It is humbling to represent our members and see our dollars so well placed,” says Dalbert Livingstone, President of ARAAC.

The donation was accepted on behalf of the IWK by Brenda Toner-Murchison from the IWK Health Centre Foundation and Registered Nurse Diana Fergusen.

“Please know that your donations will make a huge difference to the families in the NICU in the future,” says Murchison. “The renovations will allow them to stay together while their babies grow and become strong enough to go home.”

For more information on ARAAC, please visit araac.ca.